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HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: aqua / iOne
New York Comic Con 2023 kicked off on Thursday, October 12 at the Javits Center in New York City and it was the grand spectacle we’ve come to expect. The first day was once the “slow” day but if the massive crowds were any indication, the entire weekend will be jam-packed.
While the cosplayers were once again in full effect—see our gallery of the best cosplay here—there were plenty of booths, activations, panels and even actual comics for all sorts of fans of all things fantasy.
We got there early enough to peep some booths on the show floor you should definitely take the time to visit if you’re a Hip-Hop head making your way to New York Comic Con this weekend. From Kid Cudi getting in his Star Trek bag to Crocs being sold on the floor via Foot Locker, there’s plenty to see, so make sure your shoes have plenty of cushioning.
Check out our recommends…
Stranger Comics – Booth #3317
Source: aqua / iOne
Stranger Comics is the publisher of actress and activist Amandla Stenberg’s renowned Niobe character and comic. Niobe is a Black, half human and half elven hero and she kicks ass. What more do you need to know? Definitely worth tapping into the World of Asunda.
Foot Locker x Crocs – Booth #3001
Source: aqua / iOne
Speaking of, Crocs are supposed to be comfy and Foot Locker was in the building and moving plenty of pairs of the collab between Crocs and Demon Slayer at Booth #3001
Source: aqua / iOne
Kid Cudi x Star Trek – Booth #2653
Source: aqua / iOne
Mr. Rager is rocking with the Star Trek franchise and they collaborated for an official capsule collections that includes tees, hoodies and a mean varsity jacket.
Source: aqua / iOne
Source: aqua / iOne
BAIT – Booth #1435
Source: aqua / iOne
The BAIT store has gotten bigger and bigger each year at New York Comic Con. This year’s installation includes collabs with the anime series One Piece and Yu-Gi-Uh!
Source: aqua / iOne
Source: aqua / iOne
Heroes & Villians: MUTATIS MUTANDIS – Booth #1335
Source: aqua / iOne
X-Men fans are surely familiar with the Xavier School for Gifted Youngster. Turns out they were freshly dipped with a collection, via the Heroes & Villains “Mutatis Mutandis” booth, that includes tees, hoodies hats and varsity jacket. The prep-familiar fashion is inspired by Wolverine, Rogue, Storm and other classic characters.
Source: aqua / iOne
Source: aqua / iOne
The Boondocks – Booth #1043
Source: aqua / iOne
The Boondocks booth offered prints and Boondocks apparel. Even the dude who voiced Uncle Ruckus was on hand to sign autographs and take photos.
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Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
It’s that time of the year when New Yorkers spot people dressed up as their favorite superheroes, supervillains, and pop culture icons taking a ride on the train because New York Comic Con is back.
The annual celebration of all things geeky is back and in full effect at the Jacob K. Javits Center. The event officially kicked off on Thursday, October 12, marking the second full convention at maximum capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic and all restrictions were lifted.
Like we always do, HipHopWired/Cassius Life is on the scene and on the prowl for the best cosplay, and we most definitely spotted some winners.
While roaming the halls of the giant convention center, we spied a Doctor Strange (pictured above) and Tony Stark cosplays that could serve as stunt doubles for the actual cast members from the Marvel films.
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
They weren’t the only Marvel characters in the Javits Center. Loki, Thor’s villainous brother, is enjoying newfound popularity thanks to Tom Hiddleston’s portrayal of the comic book character in the movies, and the Disney+ series has become a favorite among cosplayers.
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
No surprise, fresh off the popularity of the Greta Gerwig film starring Margot Robbie, we ran into plenty of Barbie cosplay. We didn’t see any Kens out, but there is still Friday, Saturday, and possibly Sunday to see someone showing they are “Kenough.”
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
Cosplayers As Video Game Characters
The world of video games was also well-represented at NYCC. We ran across what we believe is the best Call of Duty cosplay we have ever seen.
Just look at the cosplay of Simon “Ghost” Riley below. It’s impressive.
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
We also saw a great cosplay of the Mindflayer from the popular video game Baldur’s Gate 3, an excellent play on Joel from the PlayStation-exclusive video game and hit HBO series The Last of Us.
Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
This was only day one, so keep it locked on HipHopWired and Cassius Life for more photos from NYCC weekend.
Hit the gallery below for more cosplay photos.
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Photos: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez
1. LEGO Green Goblin
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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2. Wolverine
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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3. Princess Leia
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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4. Annakin Skywalker
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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5. Moon Girl
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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6. Barbies
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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7. Spider-Punk (Hobie Brown)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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8. Pokémon Trainer
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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9. New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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10. Boastful Loki & Alligator Loki
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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11. The Winter Soldier
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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12. Doctor Strange
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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13. Han Solo
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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14. Samara Morgan (The Ring)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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15. New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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16. Joel (The Last of Us)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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17. Billy The Puppet (Saw)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
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18. The Joker
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
19. Rey (Star Wars)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
20. Catwoman
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
21. Captain Price (Call of Duty)
Source:@PhotosByBeanz/ @BeanzGotGamez / New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con 2023 Cosplay Day 1 cosplay,nycc,new york comic con
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Source: Sony / InZone Buds
Not to be outdone by its own new PlayStation Pulse Explore earbuds, Sony has unveiled a pair of new Inzone Buds geared explicitly towards gamers.
Sony Electronics is dropping a pair of $199 InZone Gaming Buds, the company’s first pair of gaming-focused wireless earbuds.
When the Inzone Buds arrive (available for pre-order today), Sony promises to deliver exceptional battery life (up to 12 hours of use) and audio at the lowest latency possible.
While not specifically made for the PlayStation 5 console, the InZone Buds will pair with your PS5, the new “PS5 Slim,” PCs, and mobile devices.
Most users will connect using the provided dongle that Sony boasts will cut latency to below 30 milliseconds. For users with the latest Android smartphone, you can use Bluetooth LE Audio.
Source: Sony / InZone Buds
360 Spatial Audio is also an option in the new InZone Buds. The Verge reports setting that all up will require a series of steps that have to be taken.
Per The Verge:
Sound Field Optimization creates a personalized hearing profile by taking photos of the user’s ears using the 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer smartphone app. The InZone Buds go one step further through the Sound Tone Personalization feature, individualized to the ear canal by playing test sounds from the driver units and using feedback microphones to measure how the sound fills the ear canal. Based on the acoustic analysis, the sound is then uploaded onto the InZone Hub PC software, where further personalization can be done to curate a truly personalized spatial listening experience with unparalleled spatial sound precision.
The Fit
As far as comfort, Sony claims the InZone Buds are designed to provide the wearer with a comfortable fit over extending gaming sessions.
The company achieves this goal by designing the buds to reduce the pressure on the wearer’s ears while using them. There are four sets of silicone ear tips, including an extra small sizing because no ear is the same.
Source: Sony / InZone Buds
Can The InZone Buds Be Used For Music & Movies
The Verge reports the InZone Buds that you can use them InZone Buds for other forms of entertainment, but Sony says it has designed them to improve your gaming experience.
Active noise-cancellation is also available to completely immerse you in whatever you may be doing while using the InZone Buds.
The InZone Buds are now available for pre-order and will ship sometime in November.
For more photos, hit the gallery below.
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Photo: Sony / InZone Buds
1. Sony InZone Buds
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2. Sony InZone Buds
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3. Sony InZone Buds
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4. Sony InZone Buds
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5. Sony InZone Buds
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6. Sony InZone Buds
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7. Sony InZone Buds
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8. Sony InZone Buds
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9. Sony InZone Buds
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10. Sony InZone Buds
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11. Sony InZone Buds
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12. Sony InZone Buds
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Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty / DJ Envy
Moooooorrnnnninnngg everybody, D J Envy could be in some serious trouble.
The co-host of the popular Power 105.1’s morning show, The Breakfast Club, is linked to a New Jersey real estate venture that many investors call a scam that has left them out of millions, local affiliate News 4 NY’s I-Team reports.
When he is not setting off the beige rage meter, Envy is very vocal about his real estate ventures with his buddy, Cesar Pina, plus his wife, Jennifer, and often promotes them during the show.
“We’ve helped so many people, not just regular people, but celebrities, athletes, executives,” the radio host said on The Breakfast Club.
On top of mentioning the venture on the nationally syndicated radio show, Envy also linked up with Pina for seminars and at the convention center, where they were pitching opportunities to flip properties mainly located in “distressed areas,” aka the hood, News 4 New York reports.
The news outlet also shared numerous accounts from investors who now feel like they were hoodwinked and bamboozled after being lured into the alleged scam after hearing about it from DJ Envy.
Per News 4:
Jose Santiago and his wife, Jessica Ortiz, say they believed investing in a real estate venture in a Paterson neighborhood would be their ticket to the American dream.
“That’s the reason I got into real estate, so we can actually start flipping properties, buying properties so we can have something for our kids in the future,” Ortiz told News 4.
The couple says they connected with entrepreneur Cesar after seeing him on social media with DJ Envy.
“He’s advertising this all over radio and television, so I thought this was legit,” Santiago said. “We invested $200,000, and it looks like we won’t ever get it back.”
The pitch: to invest in run down properties that would be renovated and flipped for money. The promised return: up to 30% of the profits. In some cases, Cesar didn’t even own the properties, including the one Santiago and Ortiz took $200,000 in equity from their Florida home to finance the project. They said they were told profits would come within four months, but they never saw a dime.
“I am paying the interest right now every month, and I have nothing,” Santiago said.
Nigel Chamblin claims he was conned by Cesar into investing $235,000 into that same Paterson property, along with homes in Hawthorne and Maplewood that each required $300,000.
” There were other people investing in these exact same properties,” Chamblin told News 4.” It was a scam, it was a lie.”
But Wait, There Is More Struggle To Report
Another victim, Augie Rios, who owns a custom auto wrap and has worked on the DJ Envy’s cars for years, says he got one return on an initial investment but claims a second investment on a Patterson property flopped.
He also notes how Envy’s involvement was the only reason he got involved.
“I wouldn’t have invested in Cesar if it wasn’t for Envy,” Rios told the I-Team. “I lost a total of $64,000.”
The struggle gets worse, Rios says, after getting two bounced checks. He claims Pina came through with a box of jewelry from him to hold onto.
“He says take this jewelry until I can pay you back,” with Rios estimating the jewelry was worth up to $15,000-$20,000.
Another victim, record producer Anthony Martini, lost “a million dollars” after investing in what he thought was a “promising apartment complex.”
Like many others, he only got involved because of Envy, whom he has known for years. He is now suing.
What Does DJ Envy Have To Say?
The radio host, born Rasshaun Casey, initially opted to speak through his real estate attorney. Envy’s attorney claims his client has also lost “half a million” dealing with the Pinas.
“[Envy] is a victim, just like the other alleged victims are in connection with the scam,” Massimo D’Angelo, Envy’s attorney, said. “He is contending daily with cases that are being filed improperly against him.”
When asked why Envy doesn’t use his radio show to warn other victims, the attorney cites “ongoing litigation” as the reason.
Envy’s attorney is also pushing to have all the lawsuits against his client dismissed and is suing TonytheCloser for defamation despite showing up on his show.
TonytheCloser is a self-proclaimed real estate scam watchdog, and many of the alleged victims of the scam appeared on his show.
Envy has finally broken his silence, going against the advice of his attorneys.
Social media is reacting to the news of DJ Envy possibly being a scammer.
You can see those reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: Johnny Nunez / Getty
1. Ruh Roh
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Source: Sony / PlayStation 5 / PS5 Slim
The rumors of Sony dropping a new PS5 model were true, but it’s not the “Pro Model” everyone was anticipating.
On Tuesday, October 10, Sony hit everyone with a big surprise when it unveiled a new, slimmer PS5 model. The new model dubbed the “PS5 Slim,” is slightly smaller and shorter than the original PlayStation 5 disc and all-digital model.
What’s New?
The new PS5 Slim is not only changing esthetically but will also have some improvements. It will also come with a much-needed 1TB of internal storage, and for owners of the new slim all-digital model, a detachable Ultra HD Blu-Ray drive will be available.
The new PlayStation 5 console boasts a significant overall reduction in volume of more than 30 percent and an up to 24 percent reduction in weight, depending on what console you purchase.
There is now a significant bulge on the side where the disc drive is that Sony says you can replace with a side panel if you’re not feeling the look.
Source: Sony / PlayStation 5
“There are four separate cover panels, with the top portion in a glossy look, while the bottom remains in matte,” Sid Shuman, senior director of SIE content communications, notes while speaking on the new console’s design in a blog post.
For those who purchase the PS5 Digital Edition, you can buy the Blu-ray disc drive later for $79.99. There are now visible slits on the console, giving it a much more sleeker look.
Gone is the single USB-C and USB-A ports. Instead, dual USB-C ports will be on the front of the console.
Source: Sony / PlayStation 5
Unlike the previous model, the new PlayStation 5 model will have a new horizontal stand. You have to dish out $29.99 separately if you want a vertical one.
Source: Sony / PlayStation 5
Price & Release Date
Source: Sony / PlayStation 5
The new PS5 model will arrive in North America in November at select retailers and Sony’s PlayStation Direct site for $449.99 without a drive or $499.99 with one.
Shuman says that the new PS5 model “will continue to roll out globally in the following months,” says Shuman. “Once inventory of the current PS5 model has sold out, the new PS5 will become the only model available.”
The announcement of the new PS5 model comes after an Insider Gaming report hinting at the tech giant working on a PS5 console with a detachable drive.
It also follows the massive Xbox leak revealing Microsoft’s plans to drop a “console refresh” of the Xbox Series X.
As you can imagine, the video game world is reacting to the news.
You can see those reactions in the gallery below.
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Photos: Sony
1. Interesting
2. Talk Yo Shi*t
3. The price hike does suck.
Legendary filmmaker Spike Lee hasn’t put down his film cameras or retired his iconic Double Dolly shot yet, but that does not mean his career, which spans over four decades, should not be celebrated.On Tuesday, October 3, a new Spike Lee: Creative Resources exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum opened to special guests and press, celebrating the visionary who gave us films like She’s Gotta Have It, Do The Right Thing, School Daze, Malcolm X and BlacKkKlansman.Notable attendees included the man of the honor, Spike Lee, and known film collaborators Laurence Fishburne, John Leguizamo, Adam Driver, and Giancarlo Esposito.Other guests include actor Dean Winters, Hip-Hop superstar A$AP Ferg, Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, Nia Long, GMA’s Robin Roberts, and more.Lee spoke about the exhibit curated by Kimberli Gant and curatorial assistant Indira A. Abiskaroon that features over 450 pieces of the de facto native New Yorker via Atlanta, Georgia personal collection, according to USA Today.Plotting the museum exhibit “was a process,” Lee says at a Tuesday preview of the exhibit, which opens to the public Saturday.“You just don’t stick something up on the wall,” says Lee, 66. “You have different spaces and you move back and forth. And, you know, you try to make sure that you’re telling the story.”Don’t think of this exhibit as some sign that Lee is nearing the end of his career. During the preview event, he proudly proclaimed that his “Legacy is not done.”So we can expect more projects with the iconic “A Spike Lee Joint” labeling on them now that the WGA strike is officially over.For more photos from the epic night, you can hit the gallery below.
1. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Spike Lee at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum
2. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Giancarlo Esposito at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,giancarlo esposito,brooklyn museum
3. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
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Spike Lee at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum
4. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
A$AP Ferg at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,topix,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,bestpix,asap ferg,brooklyn museum
5. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
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Spike Lee and Darren Walker at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum
6. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Spike Lee at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum
7. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Spike Lee at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum
8. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Atmosphere at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,atmosphere,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum
9. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Atmosphere at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,atmosphere,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum
10. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Atmosphere at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,atmosphere,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum
11. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Atmosphere at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,atmosphere,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum
12. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Guests at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,guest,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum
13. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Atmosphere at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,atmosphere,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum
14. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Spike Lee and Bill Bradley at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum,bill bradley
15. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
John Leguizamo at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,john leguizamo,brooklyn museum
16. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Spike Lee and Bill Bradley at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum,bill bradley
17. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Spike Lee and Bill Bradley at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum,bill bradley
18. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Spike Lee at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,brooklyn museum
19. Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party
Source:Getty
Laurence Fishburne at the Spike Lee: Creative Sources VIP Opening Party at the Brooklyn Museum on October 3, 2023 in Brooklyn, New York (Photo by Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty Images) color image,photography,arts culture and entertainment,horizontal,party – social event,usa,topics,new york city,brooklyn – new york,art museum,spike lee,laurence fishburne,brooklyn museum
HipHopWired Featured Video
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Source: denizunlusu / Getty / David Brooks
One Columnist is getting clowned on social media for playing himself and trying to talk about a popular Black-owned New Jersey Airport restaurant.
New York Times columnist David Brooks was feeling salty about the bill he got for a burger and fries and shared a photo of his meal on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday and didn’t get the response he was looking for.
In the caption for the post, he wrote, “This meal just cost me $78 at Newark Airport. This is why Americans think the economy is terrible.”
While he mentioned the burger and fries, he didn’t say anything about the alcoholic beverage in the photo. He was immediately called out for complaining about a meal he would expense so his employer, the New York Times, could reimburse him.
According to NewsOne, the meal wouldn’t even dent his wallet because his net worth is about $1 million. Brooks’ post immediately backfired on him when another writer, Joyce Carroll Oates, clowned him in repost.
“(bar bill: $66. food bill: $12. tip: $0 N Y Times expense account)” Oates wrote in her post.
The Restaurant Fries David Brooks In Response To His Post
Brook’s post on X complaining about the food and his bill got picked up by NJ.com, and subsequently, that’s when the establishment caught wind of him hating and fried him like an onion ring on their Facebook page, confirming that Brook’s “high bill” was a result of his bar tab.
“Looks like someone was knocking back some serious drinks – Bar tab was almost 80%, and he’s complaining about the cost of his meal,” 1911 Smoke House Barbeque said in the post shared on Thursday, adding, “keep drinking buddy – we get paid off everything.”
To add insult to injury, Brooks’ post on X is still up and has been hit with the added context feature linking back to the restaurant’s Facebook post.
1911 Smoke House Barbeque, which also happens to be a favorite spot for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, jokingly announced the “D Brooks Special,” slashing out the $78 price and replacing it with $17.78.
X users are also getting in on the fun and clowning Brooks. You can see those reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: denizunlusu / Getty
1. Well deserved
2. Birlliant
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Source: Handout / Getty / Tory Lanez
Tory Lanez’s mugshot has arrived, and it’s a pure, glorious struggle.
Convicted felon Tory Lanez is now an inmate at North Kern State Prison in Delano, California.
The singer/rapper’s mugshot arrived on the internet, signaling the start of his prison stint, which is hilarious because he once boasted on X (formerly Twitter) that he was not going to prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion.
Justice was finally served on August 8 when Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David Herriford slapped Lanez with his well-deserved sentence, seven months after he was convicted of the shooting, ending three years of trauma for the Houston rapper.
The “Say It” crafter was convicted of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, discharging a firearm with gross negligence, carrying a loaded, unregistered handgun in a vehicle, and allegations that he used it to inflict bodily harm.
In the photo currently making its rounds on social media, Lanez looks fed up as reality sets in that he will no longer get special treatment and go by inmate number “BW0168,” according to The Shaderoom.
Lanez is not going down without a fight and is currently appealing the conviction. He did make an attempt to stay out of prison as he awaits to appeal the decision.
Unfortunately for him, Judge Herriford said nah, citing Lanez committing a “violent felony” and his “history of violating court orders.”
Lanez was transferred from Los Angeles County Jail to North Kern State Prison after his bail request was denied. ET reports that he will spend three to six months in a medium-security prison and then in a long-term facility to serve the rest of his 10-year bid.
Judge Herriford did bless Lanez with 305-day credit for time served.
Social Media Reactions To Tory Lanez’s Mugshot
The internet is clowing Lanez’s mugshot, specifically his struggle hairline. It’s no secret that Lanez struggles with his hair, and based on his photo, he should just “come on home,” to quote the great Charles Barkley, and go back to the bald look.
You can hit the gallery below for more reactions.
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Photo: Handout / Getty
2. Howling
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Source: Anadolu Agency / Getty / Elon Musk
Elon Musk is not done making X (formerly known as Twitter) one of the worst social media experiences ever.
“I can’t believe this app is free” is starting to look like a phrase that has run its course on X.
Spotted on Variety, the Tesla Chief and current owner of X, Elon Musk, claims he wants to charge X/Twitter users a fee to use the platform.
His excuse is that it’s the only way to combat the bots plaguing the platform.
Per Variety:
Musk brought up the idea of charging all users of X/Twitter during a wide-ranging conversation focused on AI that featured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. “We’re moving to having a small monthly payment for use of the X system,” Musk told Netanyahu, claiming that “it’s the only way I can think of to combat vast armies of bots.” His comments were initially reported by Bloomberg’s Dave Lee.
As for the price, Musk did not share an exact dollar amount, noting that “a few dollars or something” would stop the creation of bot accounts. Musk also claims X has 550 million monthly active users, and they are sharing between 100-200 million posts daily on the social network, the website also reports.
X Is Still Bleeding Cash
According to Platformer, charging users to use X is not new, and he has been toying with it for some time. Before he begrudgingly bought it, Twitter was not a profitable business, and since his check cleared, ad sales, something the platform depended on tremendously, have plunged 50%.
We guess those Cheech and Chong gummy ads won’t be enough to keep X alive.
As you can imagine, X users are not feeling the news and are once again looking for another app where they take dating debates, sports hot takes, and any other forms of entertainment they came to X/Twitter exclusively for.
You can see those reactions in the gallery below.
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Photo: Anadolu Agency / Getty
1. Exactly
4. Heard you
6. Here’s a thought
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Source: Microsoft / Xbox Series X ‘Brooklin’
Another massive leak, spilling some juicy Xbox details, has the video game world buzzing.
An FTC leak has produced documents detailing some of Xbox’s future plans and another massive acquisition. The biggest news from the leak was that Xbox plans to drop what it calls a “console refresh” of the Xbox Series X called ‘Brooklin.’
It has been confirmed that it was Microsoft were the one’s who “leaked” the information after accidentally loading it onto a government website, per Bloomberg’s reporting.
Anyway, Brooklin is a new Xbox Series X console version that ditches the original “box shape” small fridge look for a new circular design plus a much-needed increased internal storage of 2TB.
Gamesradar reports that the “console refresh” will have the same price as the previous console with tweaks like a faster wireless connection, more storage as mentioned above, eco-friendly features to reduce the console’s carbon footprint, ditching the disc drive, and even an updated controller that could finally bring it on par, or close to the greatness that is the PS5’s DualSense controller.
The new controller, code-named Sebille, is “more immersive” and will feature gyro support, Bluetooth 5.2, and a direct Cloud connection. There will also be “precision haptic feedback” that doubles as speakers.
“Improved longevity” is also a feature of the Sebille controller, thanks to new modular thumbsticks.
According to the leaks, the controller will launch sometime in August 2024, around the same time as E3 2024, when the company was set to reveal its latest offerings to the video game world.
There are also plans for an Xbox Series S refresh due in August, with the Brooklin console coming in late October, right in time for Black Friday and the Christmas shopping season.
Phil Spencer Was Dreaming of Video Game Domination
The new console and controller weren’t the only news about the FTC leak. According to leaked emails, Xbox Chief Phil Spencer wanted to bring Nintendo into the Xbox ecosystem.
In the August 2020 email sent right before Microsoft bought Bethesda’s parent company ZeniMax, Spencer called a possible acquisition of Nintendo “a career moment.”
Spencer’s lust didn’t stop there. He also expressed interest in Steam owner Valve and Warner Bros’ collection of game studios like Mortal Kombat developer NetherRealm Studios and Rocksteady, the game studio behind the Batman Arkham Series.
Per IGN:
“Nintendo is THE prime asset for us in gaming and today gaming is our most likely path to consumer relevance,” Spencer wrote in the email.
“I’ve had numerous conversations with the LT of Nintendo about tighter collaboration and feel like if any US company would have a chance with Nintendo we are probably in the best position.”
However, Spencer outlined a number of blocks on the merger, including the fact Nintendo seemed uninterested in selling up. Nintendo is “sitting on a big pile of cash”, Spencer said, and was apparently happy with its current position. As a result, Spencer said he couldn’t “see an angle” on a buyout in the short term, adding: “I don’t think a hostile action would be a good move… so we are playing the long game.”
Well damn.
You can see more reactions to the leaks in the gallery below.
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Photo: Microsoft / Xbox Series X ‘Brooklin’
2. Interesting
3. Looks like Tom was right.